Department of Agriculture Bursary
Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
The Department of Agriculture Bursary is a full-funding undergraduate bursary for South African students pursuing agriculture-related qualifications - including agriculture, food technology, veterinary studies, plant science, soil science and related fields.
- Amount
- Full tuition + accommodation + meals + study materials + monthly allowance
- Deadline
- 30 September 2026
- Duration
- Full undergraduate degree duration
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Grade 12 learner, or studying / intending to study an agriculture-related qualification
- ✓ Provisional acceptance or registration at a recognised South African university
- ✓ Strong academic record in Mathematics, Physical Science and Life Sciences
- ✓ Demonstrate financial need
- ✓ Late submissions are not accepted - application must be received before 16:00 on the closing date
What's Included
- ✓ Full tuition fees
- ✓ Accommodation
- ✓ Meal allowance
- ✓ Study materials and books
- ✓ Monthly living allowance
- ✓ Mentorship and academic support
- ✓ Vacation work opportunities at Department offices and partner institutions
Work Commitment
Bursary recipients are expected to work for the Department of Agriculture (or a related public sector entity) for a period equal to the duration of their bursary support.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development bursary application
- 1
Visit the Department of Agriculture's bursary application page (typically opens July–September)
- 2
Download the bursary application form
- 3
Complete the form and gather supporting documents
- 4
Submit your full application package before 16:00 on 30 September 2026 - late submissions are not considered
- 5
If you don't yet have Grade 12 results, you must submit them within 3 days of release in January 2027
- 6
Wait for shortlisting and interview if selected
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified ID copy
- 📄 Latest academic results (Grade 11 finals or matric)
- 📄 Proof of acceptance at a South African university
- 📄 Proof of household income (affidavits are NOT accepted)
- 📄 CV
- 📄 Motivational letter
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which fields does the Department of Agriculture bursary cover?
- Agriculture, food technology, veterinary studies, plant science, soil science, animal science, agribusiness management, horticulture, crop production, aquaculture and forestry - any approved agriculture-related qualification.
- When is the Department of Agriculture bursary deadline?
- 30 September 2026 at 16:00 for the 2027 academic year. Late submissions are not considered under any circumstances.
- Can I apply before my Grade 12 results are out?
- Yes - Grade 12 learners may apply even if final results and university acceptance letters are still pending. You must then submit the missing documents within three days of Grade 12 results being released in January 2027.
- Will I need to work for the Department after graduating?
- Yes - bursary recipients are expected to work for the Department of Agriculture or a related public sector entity for a period equal to the duration of their bursary.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 30 September 2026
Apply on Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development's official siteInformation verified 2026-05-14. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
Other Agriculture bursaries
More funding opportunities in this field
AgriSETA Bursary Programme
AgriSETA (Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority)
The AgriSETA Bursary supports South African students studying agriculture-related qualifications at NQF Level 6 and above, with a focus on scarce and critical skills across the agricultural value chain. Administered directly by AgriSETA (and via its accredited service providers and employers), it funds tuition, textbooks, accommodation and a stipend to help build the country's agricultural skills base.
View details →Citrus Academy Bursary Fund
Citrus Academy (Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa)
The Citrus Academy Bursary Fund supports students pursuing citrus and agriculture-related qualifications at accredited South African tertiary institutions, with a view to building a career in the citrus industry. Founded in 2006, it is regarded as the biggest private bursary fund in primary agriculture in South Africa and is open to citizens of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Eswatini who have completed at least their first year of study.
View details →Maize Trust Bursary Scheme
The Maize Trust (administered by Agri Manage Solutions (Pty) Ltd, in partnership with Grain SA)
The Maize Trust Bursary Scheme funds postgraduate research that benefits the South African maize industry, supporting MSc (by dissertation) and PhD (doctoral research) students at recognised South African universities. The Maize Trust is a statutory levy-based body established in 1998 to advance maize-industry research and development, and the scheme is administered by Agri Manage Solutions in partnership with Grain SA. Funding covers two years for a Master's and three years for a Doctoral degree.
View details →